Statewide Census Of Widows, Hike In Monthly Aid Sought

Thoothukudi: The federation of widows welfare has appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to conduct a statewide census of widows, increase their monthly financial assistance to Rs 5,000 and provide them with free houses.

Members of the federation, led by its Thoothukudi district coordinator Kasthuri, submitted a petition to the Thoothukudi district collector on Monday, pressing for these demands.

Thanking the Tamil Nadu chief minister for establishing a welfare board for widows, Kasthuri sought a fresh census to assess their socio-economic conditions. She pointed out that the last census of widows was conducted in 2011, and urged the government to undertake a fresh exercise to identify their needs.